WO2001059615A1

WO2001059615A1 - A process for supplying downloaded data files

Info

Publication number: WO2001059615A1
Application number: PCT/IL2001/000121
Authority: WO
Inventors: Noah Amit; Yoni Amit; Zvi Eadan
Original assignee: Softcom Computers Ltd.
Priority date: 2000-02-08
Filing date: 2001-02-07
Publication date: 2001-08-16
Also published as: AU3220501A; IL134441A0

Abstract

A process of supplying to consumers one or more data files downloaded from the Internet according to their choice is disclosed. The process comprises the stages of compiling by the consumer a list of selected data files identified by their web site URLs, conveying the list by the consumer to a central receiving server, downloading by the server each one of the listed files, recording the files on one or more CD-ROM discs, and supplying the disc(s) to the customer, e.g. by mail.

Description

A PROCESS FOR SUPPLYING DOWNLOADED DATA FILES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention concerns a technique of Internet data-files downloading.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Due to the recent dramatically increasing number of web sites browsing users, it often happens that the same web servers are subjected to a large number of data files requests at one and the same time (the proportion is estimated at about one thousand users per a single server!).

While most of contemporary web servers are capable of processing a large volume of requests, the bottle-neck lies mainly at the user's end. Most end-users are equipped with 56.6 b.p.s modems, which are able to transfer only about 1 to 3 kilobytes per second. Consequently, while transmission of small volume size data files, such as e-mail, or other textual data files may take only from a few seconds to a few minutes at the most, it may take sometimes hours for downloading musical or video files, or "heavy" software applications.

When downloading such large data files, the user's PC is fully occupied and cannot be used for any other purpose. Moreover, any small interruption in the communication line can upset the whole process of downloading, which consequently must be started all over again.

It is thus the prime object of the invention to circumvent the limitations of the traditional downloading process, in as much as individual, private users are concerned. It is a further object of the invention to supply users with a collection of various data files originated from different sources, according to their choice and selection, at minimum computer occupying time. It is a still further object of the invention to enable users to "upload" files from his/her own source (mostly PC hard disc) and have it written on CD-ROM without need to have a CD writer in possession.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thus provided according to the present invention is a process of supplying to consumers one or more data files downloaded from the Internet according to their choice, comprising the stages of compiling by the consumer a list of selected data files identified by web site URLs, conveying the list by the consumer to a central receiving server, downloading by the server each one of the listed files, recording the files on one or more CD-ROM discs, and supplying the disc(s) to the consumer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

These and further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in view of the following description in conjunction with the attached drawing presenting a general overview of the process proposed by the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to drawing, let us assume that a surfer, searching for information about a topic of interest, has arrived at a web page containing one or more files suiting his/her requests (block 1 ).

If in textual form, the surfer may review the file in the ordinary way (block 2), or otherwise refer directly to the downloading function (block 3).

Now, unlike the ordinary Internet based downloading window, the user will be furnished with a dialog (see block 4) containing an additional option enabling him/her to select the service provided according to the present invention (hereafter called the "CD-Post"). By selecting the later option, the surfer becomes a CD-Post "Customer".

The prompting of the modified dialog of block 4 is conditional upon the surfer having previously subscribed to and installed the CD-Post software application (block 5).

The customer is now enabled to initiate/continue a list of ordered files, identified by their addresses (URL) - see block 6.

Each selected file is relayed by the customer to the CD-Post server (block 7) and the routine of downloading at the CD-Post center is started (block 8).

For that purpose, and in view of the above, the CD-Post service will be equipped with wide-band downloading facilities that will render the process much faster and less sensitive to interferences (say in the order of 10-100 MBPS). The customer is currently advised of the status of processing his/her order (block 9). This is also requested for checking the eligibility of the ordered items for downloading/supplying, in view of the existence of third party rights, including copyrights, capacity of CD, and other relevant factors.

The process of ordering additional files can be repeated as many times as desired.

The following stages (blocks 10-14) complete the process. Hence, the customer is advised of the formalities involved; he/she may be enabled to choose what will be printed on the CD label and how to send it (mail, courier). The CD-Post center will be supplied with high capacity CD writers (block 12) and label printers (block 13) in order to handle quickly and efficiently the incoming orders to the benefit and satisfaction of its customers. Thus, it is established that the novel service offered by the CD-Post method satisfies a real, long-left need of the relevant public.

Various modifications and/or additions to features disclosed above will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The scope of the invention is therefore not to be construed as limited by the illustrative embodiment set forth herein, but is to be determined in accordance with the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Thus, for example, it would be obvious that the customer will be enabled to upload files stored in his/her own PC, and have them recorded for future, more convenient and handy usage.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A process of supplying to consumers one more data files downloaded from the Internet according to their choice, comprising the stages of-

A. Compiling by the consumer a list of selected data files identified by web

site URLs;

B. Conveying the list by the consumer to a central receiving server;

C. Downloading by the server each one of the listed files;

D. Recording the files on one or more CD-ROM discs; and E. Supplying the disc(s) to the consumer.

2. The process of Claim 1 comprising the further stage of checking the

downloaded files by the server according to given eligibility for supplying

criteria prior to the recording thereof.

3. The process of Claim 2 wherein one of the eligibility criteria is copyright

protection.

4. The process of Claim 1 comprising the further stage of printing a label for

the supplied CD-ROM disc(s) in compliance with consumer's directions.

5. The process of Claim 1 wherein the CD-ROM disc(s) are supplied to the

consumer by mail.